Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Everyone experiences stressful and trying times in their life. Trauma can occur when an individual experiences a sense of horror, helplessness, or serious injury, the threat of serious injury or death, or witnessing the suffering of others. Posttraumatic Stress Disorder is diagnosed when the distress individuals experience as a result of a traumatic event persists for many weeks or months following the event. Symptoms include re-experiencing the traumatic event, avoidance or escape of situations which remind people of the event, dissociation or feelings of numbness, and hyperarousal. Behavior therapy can help individuals better manage their fear and anxiety. Individuals can learn to conquer the situations they previously avoided and participate more fully in their everyday lives.